The Spirited Teacher: Francesco Lafranconi
Yes, his proper title is a mouthful. But "Executive Director of Mixology & Spirits Education" doesn't communicate the impact Lafranconi has had on the local beverage scene since he left Venice, Italy, in early 2000. He did so at the invitation of Southern Wine & Spirits boss Larry Ruvo, who wanted Lafranconi to develop an education...
GIADA at The Cromwell Launches Locals Appreciation Offer
Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author Giada De Laurentiis' first-ever restaurant, GIADA, has received rave reviews since first opening in June, and now the popular restaurant is proud to offer a special locals appreciation offer of 20% off breakfast and lunch*, valid Monday – Friday through the end of March. With...
A true taste of Italy at Marc’s Trattoria
As a regular reader of my column, you know it's no secret I love Italian food. This week I tried a new Italian restaurant. This little gem was tucked away in the back of a plaza and, to be honest, keeping it hidden would serve my best interest. Once people try Chef Marc's Trattoria (8615 W. Sahara Ave.) this place will become very popular. As soon...
Mancuso’s to open in downtown Phoenix
Mancuso's Restaurants and RED Development announced Tuesday one of the Valley's favorite Italian-American restaurants, Mancuso's, will open a new location at Collier Center this August. Mancuso's will continue its 40 plus year tradition of fine Italian-American cuisine in a new, approximately 8,700 square-foot space on the upper level of t...
Reader Survey 2013: Best Italian Restaurant in Portland
For the fourth year in a row, Nostrana is your favorite Italian restaurant in Portland. There has been a bit of a shakeup in the rest of the placement. Ava Genes which opened since the last survey, has already picked up a significant number of votes. Mucca Osteria makes its first appearance on the list, at number three. Notable by their ab...
A Paradise Valley, nel Nevada, la storia degli antenati venuti dall'Italia si tramanda di padre in figlio
"Andate in Nevada? Ah, vi divertirete a Las Vegas!" ci dicono mentre ci prepariamo a lasciare Denver per la nostra personale "mille miglia" verso ovest, attraverso Wyoming e Utah. Andiamo in Nevada, ma staremo alla larga dalle luci della città: la nostra meta è poco più di una strada popolata di poche case e un centinaio di abitanti. Arriviamo a P...
Pizza in Seattle: more than a simple pie
Ask any Italian in Seattle about the topic of pizza and it will certainly cause a fair amount of debate. Some of us have our favorites, our guilty pleasures and some might say good pizza outside of Italy doesn't exist. "De gustibus non est disputandum", an old Latin maxim says, "In matters of taste, there can be no disputes", and it cannot be more...
2 for $20: Zozo's — Great Italian food at great prices
THE PLACE: Zozo's Ristorante is a family-run Italian restaurant owned by Sid and Judy Ashton, who moved to Reno from the Bay Area in 1986. Their son, Kevin, a graduate of the Western Culinary Academy, is the chef. Zozo's, in the Moana West center, is open weekdays for lunch and nightly for dinner. THE LOOK: As soon as you walk through the...
Bianchi's Italian to open second restaurant in June
by Andi Berlin Fans of the popular west-side pizza and wings joint Bianchi's Italian will be pleased to know, the restaurant is now shooting for a June 1 opening date for their second location. The Tucson staple is opening the former home of Marana's sprawling The Steak Out restaurant. Owner Vincent Bianchi says the new spot...
Annie's Gourmet Italian Adds Sunday Breakfast & Happy Hour Specials
by Bradley Martin Annie's Gourmet Italian has created a new fall happy hour menu to entice humans and their pets, then hopes to lure them back for weekly football special. The $5 and $9 happy hour specials are available daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lost Weekend Gaming Bar or outside on the Ookie's Garden patio, where pets are wa...
Fresco Italiano: Traveling to Tuscany
by Nina King For a place so new, this feels so completely comfortable. The new Fresco Italiano in Westgate channels that open-air dining experience we so often associate with Tuscany—a peaceful table laden with delights. The décor here actually pulls in several elements of Italian influence, including the stone patio, elegant dining room...
Nostrana, Portland
You can't mention Nostrana without first referencing owner/chef Cathy Whims. From the Southeast Portland restaurant's beginning, she's been the heart of the enterprise, creating memorable classic Italian dishes and earning accolades from the James Beard Foundation, among other organizations. Assembled around her is a just-as-impressive team, includ...